THE AFL has accepted Our Watch chief executive Mary Barry's request to summon club presidents to a roundtable discussion in the wake of the Eddie McGuire-led drowning jibe towards Caroline Wilson.
The League has also invited Barry, who heads the domestic violence group, to address the AFL Commission separately next month before the AFL chief executives and presidents gather in September.
The moves come after Collingwood president McGuire joked with North Melbourne chairman James Brayshaw and All Australian selector Danny Frawley about drowning Wilson in a radio segment on Triple M ahead of the 'Big Freeze' event on Queen's Birthday.
The trio at the centre of the controversy have since apologised unreservedly for their comments and for any harm caused to the senior Age football journalist.
Fitzpatrick said the League had united with Our Watch in a bid to prevent sexism, inequality and violence against women.
"Last week's comments show much more work there is to be done," Fitzpatrick said in a statement on Sunday night.
"The Commission is determined that our code be part of the solution to violence against women, and we want our partnership with Our Watch to deliver real and measurable change."
Barry, who will meet with League chief executive Gillon McLachlan on Monday, added she was looking forward to addressing the issue with the Commission followed by the club CEOs and presidents.
"What the last week has shown is that Australians will no longer accept comments that trivialise or jokes that condone violence against women," Barry said.
"Prevention work is about far more than simply raising awareness. Everything is on the table here, including participation by women at all levels of the sport, including the clubrooms and the boardrooms.
"It's also about making sure that the policies and practices of the organisation reflect expectations – and ensuring that there are consequences if they aren't met."
The AFL along with other sporting codes last week signed a leadership agreement with Our Watch to stamp out violence against women.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000. For more information about a service in your state or local area download the DAISY App in the App Store or Google Play
